Ticket 2 Ride

Graham Gouldmam is the sole original member of 10cc still touring under the name. A couple of longtime touring members (49 years and 52 years) are still working with Gouldman. It’s been decades since 10cc had a song on the chart, but 10cc had continued to tour through the years, except for the U.S. Last summer, the band returned to the USA since the mid-1990s. They are now in the midst of a 17 USA city tour.

For some reason, Americans had trouble grasping 10cc’s sense of humor and unusual songwriting. The band was often categorized as “art rock.”

The classic 10cc lineup was Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley and Lol Creme. This version was active from 1972-1976, although the four had worked together at various times and in different combinations since the mid-1960s.

Godley and Creme departed 10cc in 1976, while Stewart and Gouldman continued on with various sidemen, scoring two hits “The Things We Do For Love” and “Dreadlock Holiday.” Gouldman and Stewart continued to release the occasional album as 10cc and tour, while also working side careers. Stewart would leave the group in 1995, but the four original members would reconnect in various groupings through the years. Godley and Creme became very successful video directors, very active in the MTV days when big money was invested in creating innovative music videos.

Gouldman enjoyed a fascinating and successful career before 10cc, having his songs recorded by The Yardbirds (“For Your Love”), The Hollies (“Bus Stop”, “Look Through Any Window”), Herman’s Hermits (“No Milk Today”, “East West”).

Drummer and keyboardist Paul Burgess was hired as a second drummer for a 1973 tour and became an official band member after Godley and Creme left in 1976. Guitarist Rick Fenn made his 10cc studio debut on the same full-length as Burgess, 1977’s Deceptive Bends. Other touring members are Andy Park (guitar, bass, keyboard, percussion, mandolin and vocals) and Keith Hayman (keyboards, bass, guitar and vocals).

I jumped at the chance to see this band in concert. They were booked into a new, outdoor event space at Ranchmart Shopping Center, about 10 minutes from our house. It is so new that many of the concert goers had no idea it even existed. [As a side note, my lovely wife was selected as Miss Ranchmart 1967. She still has the sash and tiara.]

We showed up early since the seating was general admission. We even heard part of the sound check which sounded great. We were able to secure second row seats with a great view. It was a lovely night, temperature in the low 70s and no wind.

Let me say this right up front, this was a delightful concert. These five guys showed up to give us a great performance. Never mind that three of these guys are in their late 70s, they can rock! The playing was tight and they were sharp. The musicianship was impressive – the vocal harmonies were strong and blended, and the guitar playing fleshed out the songs without being showy. Fenn is a very talented lead guitarist, and Gouldman plays the bass much in the style of the late Chris Squire and John Entwistle, his playing is melodic and his solos are about the song, not showing off. Each member of the band plays more than one instrument, their versatility was quite impressive.

“The Second Sitting for the Last Supper” – Written by Stewart/Creme/Gouldman/Godley, from The Original Soundtrack (1975).

“Art for Art’s Sake” – From How Dare You! (1976), written by Stewart/Gouldman. Number 5 in the UK, number 83 in the USA. Solid rocker.

“Life Is a Minestrone” – Written by Stewart/Creme, from The Original Soundtrack (1975). A number seven hit in the UK, but missed the Hot 100 in the USA. The song has a memorable chorus, even if it’s a silly song.

“Good Morning Judge” – Written by Stewart/Gouldman, from Deceptive Bends! (1977). Number 5 in the UK, number 69 in the USA. This is really more of an album track than a hit single, although it got airplay. The guitar work is more intricate than what you normally hear in a hit single.

“The Dean and I” – Written by Creme/Godley, from 10cc (1973). I didn’t remember this song at first, but I recognized the how good it is and why it was a top ten song on the UK chart.

“Old Wild Men” – Written by Stewart/Godley, from Sheet Music (1974).

“Clockwork Creep” – the odd, Monty Pythonish humor in full view. I can’t say it is a great song, but their performance was great. Written by Creme/Godley/Stewart/Gouldman, from Sheet Music (1974).

“Feel the Benefit” – this version was longer than the recorded version. The guitar work was soaring, and Gouldman’s bass solo added a nice touch. From Deceptive Bends (1977). Written by Stewart/Gouldman.

“The Wall Street Shuffle” – one their best known rockers and the crowd ate it up. Written by Stewart/Gouldman, from Sheet Music (1974). A top ten UK hit.

“Floating in Heaven” – a new Graham Gouldman song (2022), about the James Webb space telescope. Included on his recent album, I Have Notes (2022).

“The Things We Do for Love” – Probably the second most known song. The crowd was into it. From Deceptive Bends (1977), written by Stewart/Gouldman. Number six in the UK, number five in the USA.

“Silly Love” – I found the song silly, but played impressively with Gouldman on bass, joined by his two guitarists and the keyboard player also on guitar. Written by Creme/Stewart, from Sheet Music (1974). A number 24 charting UK single.

“I’m Mandy Fly Me” – From How Dare You! (1976), written by Stewart/Gouldman/Godley. Number six in the UK, number 60 in the USA.

“I’m Not in Love” – the song that everyone remembers, and this version did not disappoint. Truly moving. Written by Stewart/Gouldman, from The Original Soundtrack (1975). Number one in the UK and number in the USA.

“Dreadlock Holiday” – Gouldman commented that this song was a big hit, everywhere but the U.S. Reggae was not a known quantity here, fifty years later it still isn’t. Written by Stewart/Gouldman, from Bloody Tourist (1978). Number one in the UK, number 44 in the USA. American radio didn’t understand what to do with it.

Encore:
“Donna” – performed as an a cappella, which once more showed off their vocal talents. Written by Creme/Godley, from the album 10cc (1973). A number two hit in the UK.

“Rubber Bullets” – the closer was a rocker and they had everyone on their feet. Written by Creme/Godley/Gouldman, from 10cc (1973). A number one hit in the UK, number 73 in the USA.

Photos are mine, videos from concerts in the past year (as recent as 9/3/25).